2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
PROGRAMS
February 2, 2017
Water, Water, Everywhere (Centennial Program)
Watershed Stewardship Center at West Creek
2277 W Ridgewood Drive
Parma, OH
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public
Learn the history of how we have used water, and legislate our life-giving resource. From the settling of the United States to the burning of the Cuyahoga and more. Presentation by Matt Knittel. As a special extension on World Wetlands Day Ray Stewart from Ohio Wetlands Association will demonstrate the value of wetlands in the watershed with special attention to clean water. He will provide a short program to explain why this mid-winter day is World Wetland Day and how you can get involved.
February 28, 2017
How Wetlands Will Save the World
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Free
Firelands Audubon Monthly Meeting
Osborn Metro Park
3910 Perkins Ave.
Huron, OH
Ray Stewart from Ohio Wetlands Association will explain the importance of wetlands in solving many of today’s pressing environmental problems.
March 11, 2017
WildOnes - Columbus Chater:
The Benefits of Vernal Pools, Wetlands and Ponds
Presented by Mic Micacchion
Shale Hollow Preserve - Delaware County Preservation Parks
6320 Artesian Run, Lewis Center, OH
The critical characteristics comprising vernal pools, other wetlands, and pond habitats will be discussed. The focus will be on the key factors that lead to the development of aquatic resources that contain natural habitat features and support a diverse natural flora and fauna. The importance of the land uses surrounding these aquatic resources and their dependence on intactness in adjacent habitats to reach higher levels of ecological condition will also be highlighted.
March 7, 2017
Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference
From Dawn to Dusk, Nocturnal revelations
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ohio Union at The Ohio State University
1739 N High St, Columbus, 43210, OH, United States
Keynote: Caught in the Snowstorm by Scott Wiedensaul
Join the Ohio Wetlands Association at our table. Details and registration can be found HERE.
March 24, 2017
2017 Ohio Botanical Symposium
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Villa Milano Banquet and Conference Center
Columbus, Ohio
The flora of Great Lakes alvars; geology and flora of a meteorite crater in southwest Ohio; the status of our eastern deciduous forest; medicinal plants; lady-slipper orchids; lichens and best plant discoveries will be highlighted at the 2017 Ohio Botanical Symposium on Friday, March 24. The event also features a media show and displays from a number private and public conservation organizations, as well as vendors offering conservation-related items for purchase. More than 400 botanical enthusiasts attend this every-other year event. Registration will open in early January. Join the Ohio Wetlands Association at our table! Details and registration HERE.
April 4, 2017
Noon - 2 p.m.
Port Clinton Rotary Meeting
Port Clinton, OH
Wetlands Will Save the World!
Presented by Ray Stewart, Director, Ohio Wetlands Association
Wetlands can provide many services but this presentation will focus on how wetlands can clean up the landscape and help in preventing harmful algae blooms.
May 10-12, 2017
Ohio Stormwater Conference
Kalahari Resort and Conference Center
7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Presenting at this conference: Mark Dilley, President, Ohio Wetlands Association, and Brett Joseph, Director, Ohio Wetlands Association
Recognizing that watershed and stormwater management involves people of varying disciplines and degrees of
experience, this conference engages speakers experienced in many aspects of stormwater or water resource management. Speakers will address: examples of planning and design; new standards being developed; incorporating environmental goals into traditional stormwater areas; practice effectiveness; program administration and management; communications; as well as meeting regulatory requirements.
Conference details and registration HERE.
September 9, 2017
Dawes Arboretum Speaker Series: Ohio Wetlands
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
The Dawes Arboretum
7770 Jacksontown Rd.
Newark, Ohio, 43056
Mick Micacchion, Wetland Ecologist and PWS Senior Research Associate of the Midwest Biodiversity Institute (MBI) and OWA Vice-president will describe the unique and distinctive features of wetlands and discuss the variety found in Ohio. Ephemeral wetlands – known as vernal pools – will be highlighted.
Recommended donation, $2 per person for this program. Registration is not required.
Details can be found here.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Wetland Wanderings and Wonderings
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ashland University and Gorman Nature Center
Experience area wetlands, examine local ecosystems, learn to use i-naturalist and learning modules from the Ohio Wetlands Association presented by Ray Stewart. You will receive a copy of “Ohio’s Hidden Wonders, a field guide to vernal pools”. 6.5 hours of CEU credit or OCVN Educational hours offered.
Take along with “Buckeye State Birds” and 1 hour of graduate credit available through Ashland University
Registration fee $40. Checks to be made out to EECO Region 6
Ashland University registration on site.
Contact Joanne Mudra @ 419-892-3521.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
The Ecology of Ohio Vernal Pools
6 p.m.
Kelleys Island Audubon Club Monthly Meeting
Kelleys Island Library Community Room
Presented by Ray Stewart, Secretary, Ohio Wetlands Association
Vernal pools, also called vernal ponds or ephemeral pools, are temporary pools of water that provide habitat for distinctive plants and animals. Why are these seasonal habitats such a significant part of the more general forest ecology? Why are rare and threatened species dependent on them? What role do they play in the health of waterways that are some distance away? This program will explore these and other reasons why Ohio’s vernal pools should be explored, enjoyed and protected.
November 1-3, 2017
Inquiry-Based Learning Conference
Burr Oak State Park
Rural Action and Camp Oty’Okwa hosted their third annual Inquiry-Based Learning Conference November 1-3, 2017 at Burr Oak State Park Lodge and Conference Center. OWA promoted the Ohio Vernal Pool Network (OVPN) Program at this conference with a table display.
Friday, December 1, 2017
2017 Miami Valley Planning & Zoning Workshop
David H. Ponitz Center
Sinclair Community College,
444 West Third Street, Bldg. 12
Dayton, Ohio
Mark Dilley, the Ohio Wetlands Association President, will speak.
Details found here.
February 2, 2017
Water, Water, Everywhere (Centennial Program)
Watershed Stewardship Center at West Creek
2277 W Ridgewood Drive
Parma, OH
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public
Learn the history of how we have used water, and legislate our life-giving resource. From the settling of the United States to the burning of the Cuyahoga and more. Presentation by Matt Knittel. As a special extension on World Wetlands Day Ray Stewart from Ohio Wetlands Association will demonstrate the value of wetlands in the watershed with special attention to clean water. He will provide a short program to explain why this mid-winter day is World Wetland Day and how you can get involved.
February 28, 2017
How Wetlands Will Save the World
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Free
Firelands Audubon Monthly Meeting
Osborn Metro Park
3910 Perkins Ave.
Huron, OH
Ray Stewart from Ohio Wetlands Association will explain the importance of wetlands in solving many of today’s pressing environmental problems.
March 11, 2017
WildOnes - Columbus Chater:
The Benefits of Vernal Pools, Wetlands and Ponds
Presented by Mic Micacchion
Shale Hollow Preserve - Delaware County Preservation Parks
6320 Artesian Run, Lewis Center, OH
The critical characteristics comprising vernal pools, other wetlands, and pond habitats will be discussed. The focus will be on the key factors that lead to the development of aquatic resources that contain natural habitat features and support a diverse natural flora and fauna. The importance of the land uses surrounding these aquatic resources and their dependence on intactness in adjacent habitats to reach higher levels of ecological condition will also be highlighted.
March 7, 2017
Ohio Wildlife Diversity Conference
From Dawn to Dusk, Nocturnal revelations
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ohio Union at The Ohio State University
1739 N High St, Columbus, 43210, OH, United States
Keynote: Caught in the Snowstorm by Scott Wiedensaul
Join the Ohio Wetlands Association at our table. Details and registration can be found HERE.
March 24, 2017
2017 Ohio Botanical Symposium
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Villa Milano Banquet and Conference Center
Columbus, Ohio
The flora of Great Lakes alvars; geology and flora of a meteorite crater in southwest Ohio; the status of our eastern deciduous forest; medicinal plants; lady-slipper orchids; lichens and best plant discoveries will be highlighted at the 2017 Ohio Botanical Symposium on Friday, March 24. The event also features a media show and displays from a number private and public conservation organizations, as well as vendors offering conservation-related items for purchase. More than 400 botanical enthusiasts attend this every-other year event. Registration will open in early January. Join the Ohio Wetlands Association at our table! Details and registration HERE.
April 4, 2017
Noon - 2 p.m.
Port Clinton Rotary Meeting
Port Clinton, OH
Wetlands Will Save the World!
Presented by Ray Stewart, Director, Ohio Wetlands Association
Wetlands can provide many services but this presentation will focus on how wetlands can clean up the landscape and help in preventing harmful algae blooms.
May 10-12, 2017
Ohio Stormwater Conference
Kalahari Resort and Conference Center
7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Presenting at this conference: Mark Dilley, President, Ohio Wetlands Association, and Brett Joseph, Director, Ohio Wetlands Association
Recognizing that watershed and stormwater management involves people of varying disciplines and degrees of
experience, this conference engages speakers experienced in many aspects of stormwater or water resource management. Speakers will address: examples of planning and design; new standards being developed; incorporating environmental goals into traditional stormwater areas; practice effectiveness; program administration and management; communications; as well as meeting regulatory requirements.
Conference details and registration HERE.
September 9, 2017
Dawes Arboretum Speaker Series: Ohio Wetlands
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
The Dawes Arboretum
7770 Jacksontown Rd.
Newark, Ohio, 43056
Mick Micacchion, Wetland Ecologist and PWS Senior Research Associate of the Midwest Biodiversity Institute (MBI) and OWA Vice-president will describe the unique and distinctive features of wetlands and discuss the variety found in Ohio. Ephemeral wetlands – known as vernal pools – will be highlighted.
Recommended donation, $2 per person for this program. Registration is not required.
Details can be found here.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Wetland Wanderings and Wonderings
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ashland University and Gorman Nature Center
Experience area wetlands, examine local ecosystems, learn to use i-naturalist and learning modules from the Ohio Wetlands Association presented by Ray Stewart. You will receive a copy of “Ohio’s Hidden Wonders, a field guide to vernal pools”. 6.5 hours of CEU credit or OCVN Educational hours offered.
Take along with “Buckeye State Birds” and 1 hour of graduate credit available through Ashland University
Registration fee $40. Checks to be made out to EECO Region 6
Ashland University registration on site.
Contact Joanne Mudra @ 419-892-3521.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
The Ecology of Ohio Vernal Pools
6 p.m.
Kelleys Island Audubon Club Monthly Meeting
Kelleys Island Library Community Room
Presented by Ray Stewart, Secretary, Ohio Wetlands Association
Vernal pools, also called vernal ponds or ephemeral pools, are temporary pools of water that provide habitat for distinctive plants and animals. Why are these seasonal habitats such a significant part of the more general forest ecology? Why are rare and threatened species dependent on them? What role do they play in the health of waterways that are some distance away? This program will explore these and other reasons why Ohio’s vernal pools should be explored, enjoyed and protected.
November 1-3, 2017
Inquiry-Based Learning Conference
Burr Oak State Park
Rural Action and Camp Oty’Okwa hosted their third annual Inquiry-Based Learning Conference November 1-3, 2017 at Burr Oak State Park Lodge and Conference Center. OWA promoted the Ohio Vernal Pool Network (OVPN) Program at this conference with a table display.
Friday, December 1, 2017
2017 Miami Valley Planning & Zoning Workshop
David H. Ponitz Center
Sinclair Community College,
444 West Third Street, Bldg. 12
Dayton, Ohio
Mark Dilley, the Ohio Wetlands Association President, will speak.
Details found here.
WORKSHOPS
Vernal Pool Workshop, Central Ohio
Saturday, March 25, 2017
9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Golf Course Banquet Room
7309 E. Livingston Ave.
Reynoldsburg, OH
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/MpuiEZPzcb32
Blacklick Woods Vernal Pool Workshop Schedule Includes:
- Coffee, Snacks, and Socializing
- Welcome – Mick Micacchion
- The Flora of Ohio’s Vernal Pools – Rick Gardner
- Vernal Pool Amphibians – Mick Micacchion
- Vernal Pool Invertebrates – Marty Knapp
- Lunch (provided) and Networking
- iNtrepid iNaturalist iNvestigators – Ray Stewart
- Learn More - Field Visit to a Vernal Pool - All
Registration price includes: A vegetarian lunch and a copy of Ohio's Hidden Wonders,
A Guide to the Animals and Plants of Vernal Pools ($25 value).
Please email us for gluten free lunch requests at info@OHwetlands.org.
Vernal Pool Workshop, Northeast Ohio
Saturday, April 8, 2017
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Morgan Swamp Conservation Campus
3973 Callender Road
Rock Creek, Ohio, Ashtabula County
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/SNhwGY4P7NE2
Join Ohio Wetlands Association for a workshop on Ohio’s vernal pools. Learn about the plants, amphibians, macroinvertebrates and the ecology of these seasonal wetlands making them one of the most important ecosystems in the state. Become a citizen-science volunteer, exploring wetlands in your neighborhood, and contribute to a community of knowledge about these little known environments.
Rock Creek Vernal Pool Workshop Schedule Includes:
- Coffee, Snacks, and Socializing
- Welcome – Ray Stewart
- Vernal Pool Salamanders – Mick Micacchion
Vegetarian Lunch
- Vernal Pool Plants – Zachary Kron
- Vernal Pool Macroinvertebrates - David Celebrezze
- Vernal Pool Ecology – David Kriska
- inTrepid iNaturalist inVestigators – Ray Stewart
- Field Trip to Pallister State Nature Preserve – Adam Wohlever
Registration price includes: A vegetarian lunch and a copy of Ohio's Hidden Wonders,
A Guide to the Animals and Plants of Vernal Pools ($25 value).
Vernal Pool Workshop, Central Ohio
Saturday, March 25, 2017
9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Golf Course Banquet Room
7309 E. Livingston Ave.
Reynoldsburg, OH
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/MpuiEZPzcb32
Blacklick Woods Vernal Pool Workshop Schedule Includes:
- Coffee, Snacks, and Socializing
- Welcome – Mick Micacchion
- The Flora of Ohio’s Vernal Pools – Rick Gardner
- Vernal Pool Amphibians – Mick Micacchion
- Vernal Pool Invertebrates – Marty Knapp
- Lunch (provided) and Networking
- iNtrepid iNaturalist iNvestigators – Ray Stewart
- Learn More - Field Visit to a Vernal Pool - All
Registration price includes: A vegetarian lunch and a copy of Ohio's Hidden Wonders,
A Guide to the Animals and Plants of Vernal Pools ($25 value).
Please email us for gluten free lunch requests at info@OHwetlands.org.
Vernal Pool Workshop, Northeast Ohio
Saturday, April 8, 2017
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Morgan Swamp Conservation Campus
3973 Callender Road
Rock Creek, Ohio, Ashtabula County
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/SNhwGY4P7NE2
Join Ohio Wetlands Association for a workshop on Ohio’s vernal pools. Learn about the plants, amphibians, macroinvertebrates and the ecology of these seasonal wetlands making them one of the most important ecosystems in the state. Become a citizen-science volunteer, exploring wetlands in your neighborhood, and contribute to a community of knowledge about these little known environments.
Rock Creek Vernal Pool Workshop Schedule Includes:
- Coffee, Snacks, and Socializing
- Welcome – Ray Stewart
- Vernal Pool Salamanders – Mick Micacchion
Vegetarian Lunch
- Vernal Pool Plants – Zachary Kron
- Vernal Pool Macroinvertebrates - David Celebrezze
- Vernal Pool Ecology – David Kriska
- inTrepid iNaturalist inVestigators – Ray Stewart
- Field Trip to Pallister State Nature Preserve – Adam Wohlever
Registration price includes: A vegetarian lunch and a copy of Ohio's Hidden Wonders,
A Guide to the Animals and Plants of Vernal Pools ($25 value).
FIELD TRIPS
Vernal Pool Expedition
Gahanna Woods State Nature Preserve
Saturday, May 13, 2017
10 a.m. to noon
Taylor Station Road
Gahanna, OH 43230
Franklin County
Leader: Mick Miccachion
Gahanna Woods encompasses a variety of wooded and successional habitats in an urban setting. This preserve protects perhaps the best remaining complex of buttonbush swamps and vernal pools in central Ohio. A pin oak-silver maple swamp forest surrounds these woodland pools. Numerous spring wildflowers can be found within these woods.
Vernal Pool Expedition
Gahanna Woods State Nature Preserve
Saturday, May 13, 2017
10 a.m. to noon
Taylor Station Road
Gahanna, OH 43230
Franklin County
Leader: Mick Miccachion
Gahanna Woods encompasses a variety of wooded and successional habitats in an urban setting. This preserve protects perhaps the best remaining complex of buttonbush swamps and vernal pools in central Ohio. A pin oak-silver maple swamp forest surrounds these woodland pools. Numerous spring wildflowers can be found within these woods.
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Vernal Pool Expedition
Tupelo Bottoms, Ashland County Park District Sunday, May 21, 2017 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. See meeting location below. Ashland County Leader: Ray Stewart and Western Reserve Land Conservancy will co-lead this hike into a seldom-seen wet woods with vernal pools. |
This tract is of very high value for biodiversity, landscape ecology, and hydrological function. It has a rich avian and amphibian component as well as its rich plant community. There were 211 species of plants identified, with fewer than 20 being exotics. The majority of the property is a mosaic of mesic to swampy forest with inclusions of sedgy depressions and vernal pools and buttonbush swamps. At least 26 species of Carex are present at this property. Common forbs include Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), both Allegheny and Sharpwing Monkeyflower (Mimulus ringens, M. alata). Four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum), an Ohio species of special concern has been found here.
We could see some rare plants like Green-Fringed Orchid (Platanthera lacera). This mid-summer bloomer grows from a foot to over 2 feet tall in full to partial sun in moist conditions. The narrow growing conditions and need for specific endomycorrhizal soil fungi make it a poor choice for transplanting.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy acquired this property with Clean Ohio funding for Ashland County Park District in 2013/2014. The property is located in an area where the Ashland County Park District has several nearly adjacent properties. This 41-acre tract lies exactly on the continental divide between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River.
We could see some rare plants like Green-Fringed Orchid (Platanthera lacera). This mid-summer bloomer grows from a foot to over 2 feet tall in full to partial sun in moist conditions. The narrow growing conditions and need for specific endomycorrhizal soil fungi make it a poor choice for transplanting.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy acquired this property with Clean Ohio funding for Ashland County Park District in 2013/2014. The property is located in an area where the Ashland County Park District has several nearly adjacent properties. This 41-acre tract lies exactly on the continental divide between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River.
EVENTS
Bioblitz at Coyote Run Farm
Pickerington, Ohio
Friday, June 16 & Saturday, June 17, 2018
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
With our first-round bioblitz effort in 2017, we have over 1300 observations and 625 species. With your participation we will confirm and expand this dataset in 2018.
Bioblitz at Coyote Run Farm
Pickerington, Ohio
Friday, June 16 & Saturday, June 17, 2018
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
With our first-round bioblitz effort in 2017, we have over 1300 observations and 625 species. With your participation we will confirm and expand this dataset in 2018.
OPEN HOUSE/POND - Buckeye Lake Water Quality Wetlaculture Experimental Mesocosm
Monday, July 10, 2017, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Field behind Petplex Animal Hospital
4200 Walnut Road, Buckeye Lake, Ohio
Companion experiments are being run in Ohio and Florida to investigate the capacity of wetlands to retain phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural and urban runoff.
The program includes presentations at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the project purpose and design. You will be able to view water quality sampling in action. There will be poster displays and refreshments and displays by sponsoring organizations.
This event was sponsored by:
Everglades Wetland Research Park, Florida Gulf Coast University
Petplex Animal Hospital, Buckeye Lake
Ohio Wetlands Association
Monday, July 10, 2017, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Field behind Petplex Animal Hospital
4200 Walnut Road, Buckeye Lake, Ohio
Companion experiments are being run in Ohio and Florida to investigate the capacity of wetlands to retain phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural and urban runoff.
The program includes presentations at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the project purpose and design. You will be able to view water quality sampling in action. There will be poster displays and refreshments and displays by sponsoring organizations.
This event was sponsored by:
Everglades Wetland Research Park, Florida Gulf Coast University
Petplex Animal Hospital, Buckeye Lake
Ohio Wetlands Association
Wetlands Science Summit, a Real Barnburner!
The 6th Annual Wetlands Science Summit filled the Everal Barn, an historic landmark in Westerville, Ohio, on October 14th. All across our State and Nation, water quality is a serious matter. The conference title “H2-OH! Ohio Wetlands Work for Water Quality” set the theme of the conference hosted by the Ohio Wetlands Association (OWA), which brought together wetland experts to share their research and practical applications of wetland restoration for improving water quality.
Communities across the state are recognizing that wetlands provide cost-effective natural services that improve our quality of life and - OH yes - improve water quality by removing excess nutrients, sediments, toxins and other contaminants that can harm us and, at best, keep us from fully enjoying our rich Ohio water resources.
OWA’s Vice President and Wetland Ecologist for the Midwest Biodiversity Institute, Mick Micacchion emceed the day's events, which included programs describing how wetlands can - and do! - provide solutions to many water quality issues. The keynote presentation, given by Dr. Bill Mitch, Director of the Everglades Wetlands Research Park in Naples Florida and OWA Board Member, advocated for restoring part of the Great Black Swamp and likened wetlands to kidneys. Mark Dilley, Chief Science Officer and co-owner of MAD Scientist Associates and OWA President shared details of the construction, functional attributes, and community benefits of several Westerville wetlands. Kristi Arend, Research Coordinator and Fisheries Biologist at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) spoke about how wetlands in the Old Woman Creek have been studied to provide quantification of their pollutant-cleansing ability, with an emphasis on nutrient reduction that benefits Lake Erie’s Western Basin. She also talked about the restoration effort to be conducted in Sandusky Bay to reestablish natural wetland habitats and provide additional removal of pollutants from Lake Erie.
OWA then presented three 2017 Wetland Leader Awards. The award for education went to Bill Resch for his work with the New Albany High School Ecolab. The restoration award was presented to Black Swamp Conservancy and was accepted by Chris Collier. The preservation award was accepted by Alex Czayka on behalf of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.
After a vegetarian lunch buffet, Kevin Egan, University of Toledo Economics Professor, shared the economics of water quality issues. He portrayed a variety of compelling cases where wetland restoration is a cost-effective method of improving water quality. Finally, John Watts, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks’ Resource Manager, talked about the his organization’s efforts in restoring wetland within many of their Parks. In addition to providing a wealth of other ecosystem services, these projects have helped protect water quality in the National Scenic Big Darby Creek watershed and other watersheds in which restoration has been accomplished.
At the end of formal presentation, conference participants were able to participate in one of the three wetland project tours: Heritage Park and the Westerville Water Treatment Plant, the New Albany High School Ecolab, and the Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park on the campus of The Ohio State University. These tours were highly-rated by participants and made for a fun and informative end to a productive and engaging Summit.
Thanks to all who helped make this event a success!
Communities across the state are recognizing that wetlands provide cost-effective natural services that improve our quality of life and - OH yes - improve water quality by removing excess nutrients, sediments, toxins and other contaminants that can harm us and, at best, keep us from fully enjoying our rich Ohio water resources.
OWA’s Vice President and Wetland Ecologist for the Midwest Biodiversity Institute, Mick Micacchion emceed the day's events, which included programs describing how wetlands can - and do! - provide solutions to many water quality issues. The keynote presentation, given by Dr. Bill Mitch, Director of the Everglades Wetlands Research Park in Naples Florida and OWA Board Member, advocated for restoring part of the Great Black Swamp and likened wetlands to kidneys. Mark Dilley, Chief Science Officer and co-owner of MAD Scientist Associates and OWA President shared details of the construction, functional attributes, and community benefits of several Westerville wetlands. Kristi Arend, Research Coordinator and Fisheries Biologist at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) spoke about how wetlands in the Old Woman Creek have been studied to provide quantification of their pollutant-cleansing ability, with an emphasis on nutrient reduction that benefits Lake Erie’s Western Basin. She also talked about the restoration effort to be conducted in Sandusky Bay to reestablish natural wetland habitats and provide additional removal of pollutants from Lake Erie.
OWA then presented three 2017 Wetland Leader Awards. The award for education went to Bill Resch for his work with the New Albany High School Ecolab. The restoration award was presented to Black Swamp Conservancy and was accepted by Chris Collier. The preservation award was accepted by Alex Czayka on behalf of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.
After a vegetarian lunch buffet, Kevin Egan, University of Toledo Economics Professor, shared the economics of water quality issues. He portrayed a variety of compelling cases where wetland restoration is a cost-effective method of improving water quality. Finally, John Watts, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks’ Resource Manager, talked about the his organization’s efforts in restoring wetland within many of their Parks. In addition to providing a wealth of other ecosystem services, these projects have helped protect water quality in the National Scenic Big Darby Creek watershed and other watersheds in which restoration has been accomplished.
At the end of formal presentation, conference participants were able to participate in one of the three wetland project tours: Heritage Park and the Westerville Water Treatment Plant, the New Albany High School Ecolab, and the Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park on the campus of The Ohio State University. These tours were highly-rated by participants and made for a fun and informative end to a productive and engaging Summit.
Thanks to all who helped make this event a success!